BA (Hons) Video Games Design
Key details
Award
Degree of Bachelor of Arts
UCAS Course Code
V001
Fees
£8,500 per year
Awarding Body
University of East Anglia
Course Length
3 years
Course Start Date
September 2026
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Video Games Design course equips you with the skills and knowledge to create engaging, innovative digital experiences. You will work through the full development cycle of a project each semester, building on fundamental principles while developing your creative, technical, and problem-solving abilities.
The programme encourages independent judgement, critical self-awareness, and iterative development, allowing you to reflect on strengths and refine areas for improvement in successive projects. Emphasis is placed on innovation, interaction, and understanding audience and genre, enabling you to push boundaries and subvert traditional approaches within game design.
While the course embraces cutting-edge digital and interactive technologies, it also builds on classical design concepts and historical techniques, providing a strong foundation upon which to innovate. By combining practical production, creative exploration, and professional development, the course prepares you for a career in the dynamic and evolving video games industry.
Why study with us?
Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning
State-of-the-art recording studios, editing suites, and industry-standard software
Strong links with local employers and those in the music industry
What you’ll study
In the first year, students gain a foundation in both creative and technical aspects of video game development. You will explore 2D and 3D asset creation, game design principles, user experience, and collaborative project development using industry-standard tools and workflows. Modules include:
- 2D Games and Animation
- 3D Concept and Modelling
- Creation Engines and Scripting
- Game Design Concepts
- Interaction and User Experience Design
- Projects, Testing and Performance
The second year develops deeper technical skills and industry-focused practice. You will focus on advanced animation, visual design, multiplayer experiences, data analytics, and research, preparing you for collaborative and independent production roles. Modules include:
- 3D Animation
- Games User Research and Analytics
- Multiuser Experiences
- Research Skills and Industry Engagement
- Visual Design for Games
- World Design and Playability
In your final year, you will undertake independent and advanced projects to refine your creative and technical expertise. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development, immersive experiences, storytelling, and producing industry-ready work for professional contexts. Modules include:
- Advanced Visual Design for Games
- Final Project
- Game Design Portfolio
- Reality, Immersion and Innovation
- Games Design Theories, Storytelling and Narrative
Future careers
Graduates of BA (Hons) Video Games Design are well-prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the gaming industry. Typical pathways include:
3D CHARACTER ARTIST
Salary: £25,000-£45,000+
GAMEPLAY PROGRAMMER
Salary: £30,000-£65,000+
QUEST DESIGNER
Salary: £25,000-£40,000+
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Facilities
With state-of-the-art recording studios and dedicated edit suites, our facilities are designed to mirror professional studio environments, with industry-standard equipment. These study areas are available beyond timetabled hours, allowing you to refine your skills and develop your projects independently.
Explore our creative resources in more detail using our interactive 3D map:
Hear from our students
Jake Mills
Danilo Francisco
Ben Loft
Fees and entry requirements
UCAS Tariff: 96
A Level: CCC
BTEC L3 Ext. Diploma: MMM
Applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis based upon prior learning and relevant experience.
Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year. Find out how to secure student finance here.
Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.
Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.
Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.
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How to apply
Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.
Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.
Progressing students at Eastern Education Group
If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.
*The College offers a discount to students who have studied a full-time qualification within the Eastern Education Group in the past three years. Fixed discounts of £1,000 on the first year of a degree course and £500 for first year of a HNC, HTQ or HND course. Students are only allowed to benefit from one discount within any three-year period. Higher or degree apprenticeships are not eligible for this award. The College reserves the right to remove this offer at any time. Other terms and conditions are not affected by this offer.
Disclaimer: There is no need to apply for this award. Full terms and conditions as outlined apply. The progression discounts are in place for students applying to start at University Centre at Eastern Education Group for entry in the same year as their application. Students must be enrolled and in attendance at University Centre at Eastern Education Group.